Carcinoma Tongue

Carcinoma tongue:

This is very common in our part of the country. It can manifest as chronic non healing painful ulcer. Radiation of pain to the ear is ominous sign for a rapidly progressing ulcer. Tongue has a rich lymphatic supply which makes it notorious to spread rapidly. So management has to be early and aggressive by the best head & neck cancer doctor. Depending on the size of lesion and the stage of disease management is determined.

Surgery

Partial Glossectomy : For small lesion, wide local excision of tumor with a cuff of normal tissue. Primary closure is done.

Hemiglossectomy: larger tumor ,upto 50% of the tongue is sacrificed with option of reconstruction with free flaps.

Total Glossectomy: For locally advanced tumor, tumor crossing the midline .Reconstruction with pedicle of free flaps.

Lymph Node Dissection: Due to richness in lymphatic drainage, nodes have to be addressed atleast bythe supraomohyoid lymph node dissection (SOHND) or a modified neck dissection (MND) or a formal radical neck dissection.